Wellington had a reputation for this one big social event, the invitations for which were always censored by a committee of the officials, each boy accepted being socially vouched for by the patronesses.  This was as near as the old college would go to co-ed functions, and perhaps the fact that these young girls were always left to themselves for good times (except at the big dance) gave added zest and novelty to the pre-holiday event.

All went merrily indeed, except that Jane was almost lost in bewilderment before she and Teddie had finished out two dances (halves) and one “sitting out” in the Bosky Dell.

Who was this boy’s relation? she wanted to know.  And why did Sally so promptly surrender him to all other partners?  Sally danced so gracefully, and they seemed to step together as dancers do who have learned at the same functions, yet she did surrender him willingly.

Jane dragged Judith out of the din, and after fortifying herself and her chum with two drinks of fruit punch, she dragged her further into semi-seclusion in the cloak room.

“What do you make of it?” asked Judith fairly twittering with suppressed excitement.

“That is what I wanted to ask you,” replied Jane, swirling her scarf over her shoulders to tame down a frolicsome little breeze that danced to the jazz music stealing in the cloak room.  “There is a positive mystery about all this.  Can’t you see how much Ted Barrett looks like Sally Howland?”

“Of course I can,” replied Judith.  “But surely that letter said ‘sister’ and was written to Shirley.”

“And he is not in any way like Bobbie.”

“No, and Bobbie is as shy as a baby when speaking with him.”  Jane bit her lip in serious reflection.

“But isn’t he very nice?”

“Lovely manners and a very takable boy,” admitted Jane.  “And say, Judy, I love this mystery, but we can’t let the freshies beat us at it.  Be sure you keep your eyes and ears open and report anything—­ suspicious.”

“Glad to,” Judith accepted the commission.  “But don’t you like my Ray?”

“Couldn’t help it,” said Jane affably.  “Of the two boys I like Ray’s hair best.  It’s so—­smoky.”

“And Jane!  Have you seen who Dozia is lugging around?  That awfully big boy, the football giant of Yorktown.”

“Makes Doze look small by comparison, and that’s an achievement,” said Jane.  “There’s my dance with Nettie Brocton.  It would be dreadful if we forgot to take care of our own little playmates.  Isn’t everything going lovely?”

“Nothing could be improved upon unless it be Miss Robert’s hair.  That’s a bit lopsided.”

“But her feather fan is a gem,” said Jane, moving toward the dance floor.

“So is her back comb,” laughed Judith, as the chums drifted apart among the dancers.

A waltz encore was just then being demanded.  The dancers stood about clapping and insisting upon a repetition of the number.  Jane and Judith waited a moment before their partners espied them, and as they lingered they heard the girls commenting on Sally.  She was, indeed, a charming figure as she stood out there with her partner, who happened to be Ted; and it was Inez Wilson who most particularly noticed the two dancers in the center of the floor.  She seized Jane’s hand and whispered: